Author: Donald B. Smith

FYI: Discover why those iconic blue windshield stripes have disappeared from modern cars as advanced glass technology takes center stage. The Disappearing Act: Blue Windshield Stripes In recent years, drivers have witnessed a peculiar disappearance of the unmistakable blue tint once prevalent at the top of car windshields. While few may notice it, this feature was incredibly effective in keeping the glaring sun at bay. So, why are these once-essential blue shade bands becoming a rarity in the automobile world? The Evolution of Automotive Glass Modern automobiles are inundated with features that improve both safety and comfort. Unlike the showier…

FYI: Zenvo unveils the thrilling Mjølner V12, revolutionizing the supercar landscape with a quad-turbocharged experience straight from mythology, yet deeply rooted in modern engineering marvels. Zenvo’s Thor-Inspired Marvel Zenvo has taken the supercar world by storm with its latest offering—the Mjølner. This awe-inspiring vehicle, named after Thor’s legendary hammer, boasts a quad-turbocharged V12 engine that promises to be both a technological and mythical powerhouse. With a staggering 1,250 horsepower, this marvel embodies the perfect fusion of contemporary engineering and legendary inspiration. A British Engineering Triumph At the heart of this beast lies a meticulously crafted British 12-cylinder engine. Named Magyarn,…

FYI: Discover the exclusive world of the Magarigawa Club, where luxury meets high-speed thrills on a Hermann Tilke-designed racetrack. The Extravagance of Magarigawa Club Imagine having billions to spend and choosing to create not just a racetrack, but a sanctuary of automotive excellence amidst the captivating Chiba Hills of Japan. This vision became a reality with the Magarigawa Club, an elite retreat tailored for automotive aficionados. Building a Dream Circuit The Magarigawa Club emerges as a crown jewel for luxury racing enthusiasts, offering a 3.5km racetrack meticulously crafted by the renowned designer Hermann Tilke. Carved into the natural landscape, this…

FYI: Dive into the production journey of the first Mercedes S-Class at the renowned Sindelfingen factory, highlighting an era where manual craftsmanship met early automation. A Glimpse into Mercedes History Explore the legendary creation of the Mercedes-Benz W116, the first-ever S-Class model manufactured in the Sindelfingen plant, Germany, between 1972 and 1980. This historical journey provides insight into the unique blend of manual skills and nascent automation that characterized car manufacturing during this period. From Concept to Reality The W116 model was first introduced to the world at the Paris Motor Show in fall 1972. This event marked a new…

FYI: Toyota is in the final stages of developing a high-performance, track-focused version of its popular GR Corolla. This model promises enhanced aerodynamics, braking, and a potential power increase, marking it as a serious contender on any circuit. Toyota is gearing up to launch a specially developed GR Corolla with an emphasis on delivering exceptional performance on the track. This new iteration showcases significant upgrades, highlighting the brand’s commitment to thrilling driving dynamics. A Sneak Peek at Extravagant Features Images of Toyota’s latest GR Corolla in development show off a strikingly aggressive design. The car features a larger rear wing,…

FYI: A critical thruster malfunction on Boeing’s Starliner tested NASA’s crisis management skills during a docking attempt with the International Space Station. Boeing Starliner Faces Thruster Setback En Route to the ISS In a mission marked by unpredictability, NASA’s collaboration with Boeing encountered a significant bump as their Starliner spacecraft lost control due to a critical thruster failure while attempting to dock with the International Space Station (ISS). Despite NASA’s previous efforts to downplay such issues, astronauts, including Butch Wilmore, who were a part of the mission, faced an acute crisis of control, showcasing the challenges space missions often entail.…

FYI: Volkswagen says goodbye to its manual transmission GTI, concluding an era of driving enjoyment for enthusiasts everywhere. Volkswagen’s departure from the manual transmission in its iconic GTI model marks the end of an era spanning nearly half a century. The last manual GTI was quietly dispatched to a dealership in Missoula, Montana, drawing neither significant attention nor fanfare. This understated send-off speaks volumes about the changing tides in automotive design and consumer preferences. Jamie All’s Journey: A Passionate Farewell In a story that underscores dedication to the vintage driving experience, VW enthusiast Jamie All embarked on a 2,300-mile trek…

FYI: Discover the 10 Best Used Cars Under $20,000 That Offer Reliability and Value in the Face of Rising New Car Prices Recent shifts in the automotive market, driven by increasing tariffs and economic turbulence, have sparked a growing interest in the used car market. Finding a reliable vehicle that fits within a modest budget is more critical than ever. Consumer Reports has compiled a list of the top ten used cars under $20,000, providing practical and dependable transportation options for the average American consumer. These models may not turn heads with flashy designs or break speed records, but their…

FYI: As Honda gears up to roll out the new hybrid Prelude in 2026, a stunning custom build of the classic model makes headlines, doubling up on power and innovation. The Excitement Around Honda’s New Hybrid Prelude Last year, Honda confirmed that its all-new Prelude would be coming to the U.S. as a 2026 model, marking a significant shift for this iconic sports car. The upcoming vehicle will be a hybrid, which has stirred excitement amongst enthusiasts while causing a bit of unrest among purists who favor traditional gasoline engines. An Ingenious Twin-Engine Custom Build In the interim, while fans…

FYI: The Prodrive P25, a modern tribute to the iconic Subaru Impreza, sets a new standard in Resto-Mods with its precision and power. The Resto-Mod Evolution: Enter the Prodrive P25 In recent years, the world of Resto-Mods has witnessed a dramatic transformation, embracing not just the classics but also venturing into the realm of legendary Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) icons. Once the domain of high-budget builds, the Resto-Mod movement has democratized, making room for works of art inspired by beloved vehicles from the past. Among these new creations, the Prodrive P25 stands out as a testament to modern innovation melding…